Illinois plays starring role on second night of DNC, with the Obamas, Pritzker, Duckworth

CHICAGO — Democrats rolled out prominent Illinoisans on the second night of their national convention here, with remarks by Gov. JB Pritzker, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, former first lady Michelle Obama and former President Barack Obama.

And since Vice President Kamala Harris lived in Illinois as a child, “we claim her too,” Pritzker told attendees.

Together, the speakers drew a stark contrast between the Democrats’ message and agenda with that of the Republicans.

“We have a choice, America, between the man who left our country a total mess and the woman who has spent four years cleaning it up. And I think it’s time we stop expecting women to clean up messes without the authority and the title to match the job,” Pritzker said in an address that touted his progressive agenda and how it could apply nationally. “Vice President was a good title for Kamala Harris. But you know an even better one? President of the United States of America.”

Duckworth, whose two daughters were conceived “through the miracle of IVF,” called for protections for the procedure and took direct aim at former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, who made disparaging remarks about women without children.

“Trump’s anti-woman crusade has put other Americans’ right to have their own families at risk,” she said. “Because if they win, Republicans will not stop at banning abortion. They will come for IVF next. They’ll prosecute doctors. They’ll shame and spy on women.”

Her biggest applause line appeared to come when she told Trump, “stay out of our doctor’s offices and out of the Oval Office, too.”

Former first lady Michelle Obama told excited attendees that “hope is making a comeback” but stressed that the road to victory for Democrats would be hard-fought.

“Let us not forget the despair we have felt. Let us not forget what we are up against. Yes Kamala and Tim are doing great now…but remember there are still so many people who are desperate for a different outcome, who are ready to question and criticize every move Kamala makes, who are eager to spread those lies who don’t want to vote for a woman,” she said in remarks before introducing her husband.

The former president was the headliner of the evening and praised Harris as someone who leads not with “gripes and grievances” but with compassion, kindness and inclusivity.

And he warned of increased political polarization and a second Trump term: “We do not need four more years of bluster and bumbling and chaos. We have seen that movie before and we all know that the sequel is usually worse.”

“America is ready for a new chapter. America is ready for a better story. We are ready for a President Kamala Harris,” he said.

The second day of the Democratic National Convention began with a small disruption inside McCormick Place. Minnesota Gov. and presumptive vice president nominee Tim Walz was speaking at the Women’s Caucus when he was interrupted by protestors. A small number of protestors had to be escorted out of the room by security.

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